SHU names Bobby V new AD

William S. Paxton

Updated 12:45 pm, Friday, February 22, 2013

Photo: Kathy Willens, Associated Press

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FILE - This Oct. 1, 2012 file photo shows Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine gesturing as he talks to reporters on the field before their baseball game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in New York. Former Red Sox manager Valentine will work as a commentator for NBC Sports Radio. He will be the part-time co-host of a weekday talk show that debuts in April. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File) less

FILE - This Oct. 1, 2012 file photo shows Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine gesturing as he talks to reporters on the field before their baseball game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in New ... more

Jim Barquinero, the senior vice president for intercollegiate athletics and student affairs, spearheaded the search for Cook's replacement. Barquinero did not return a phone call or text message about Valentine being hired on Thursday night or Friday morning.

Reached by phone Thursday night, Valentine said, "An intriguing opportunity has been presented to me and it's something I really feel I can enjoy doing and I feel could be mutually beneficial."

Valentine reportedly visited the campus in mid-January and interviewed for the job at that time.

Neither Barquinero nor the school would confirm Valentine's interview, but several sources told Hearst Connecticut Newspapers that it did take place.